How do I use my hair straighteners in Laos?

Will my hair straighteners work in Laos?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Laos:

If your hair straighteners can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit.

Use a power converter(or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Lao power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Laos, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Laos otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [9][AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Laos please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Laos

Will my hair straighteners work in Laos?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Laos:

If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your hair straighteners in Laos.

What mains voltage is used in Laos?

Which travel adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in Laos?

There are three types of power outlets used in Laos, types F, C and E with the primary power outlets being type F:

Plug Type C - The wall outlet, technically known as the Europlug, can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the plug socket pins go.

Plug Type E - The recessed circular wall outlet, technically known as a type E power outlet, can be recognised by two large round holes 19mm apart from each other and a single long metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangle pattern.

Plug Type F - The round power socket can be identified by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the plug socket pins go along with a pair of two grounding clips above and below.

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will accept a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Laos then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Lao power outlet.

A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Lao power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Laos.

A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Laos or any other country.

Travelling to Laos with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on luggage to Laos?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Laos will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.
Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.
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Should I bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Laos?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Laos as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Lao power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Laos.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Laos. The costs of replacing or repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Laos could overshadow the costs of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners[2] before setting off.
If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, or use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat travel mat for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.
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Power converters for Laos

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter(or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Laos, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt Lao power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners. [9][AD]

Do I need a converter to use my hair straighteners in Laos?

A suitable voltage transformer(or power converter) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Laos. Travellers who wish to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners[2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [9][AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.

Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.

Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet. [14][16][17][18][19][20][AD]

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.

Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.

After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.

However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.

For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Laos using a type C power adapter

A guide showing you how to use your hair straighteners in Laos by using a two pin Type C power charger.

Please ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners[2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Laos, please consult the user guide to find out how to do this.

You will need to use a Type C plug adapter[4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Laos. This Type C plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Laos simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.

Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter in the Lao power outlet. This unearthed wall outlet, sometimes called a Type C power outlet[3], is identified by two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.

Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.

Turn on the Lao power outlet. Your straighteners can now be powered on.

How to use hair straighteners in Laos using a type E power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Laos with a Type E travel adapter.

Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners[2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Some travel hair straighteners might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.

If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Laos you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter[6]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Laos by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.

Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two large circular holes 19mm apart from each other and a long metal earth pin protruding the top forming a triangle shape.

Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.

Switch on the Lao power outlet.

Your hair straighteners can now be switched on.

How to use hair straighteners in Laos using a type F power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Laos by using a Type F power charger.

Please make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners[2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Laos - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.

You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter[8] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Laos. The Type F plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Laos by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.

Plug in the Type F plug adapter in the Lao power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the two circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins go, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.

After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.

Turn on the Lao power outlet. Your straighteners can now be switched on.

See also

External links

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